Orbcomm, a Dulles, Va.-based satellite communications provider, has signed an agreement with GE Transport International Pool, a unit of General Electric [NYSE: GE],to provide data transmitting services for GE’s asset tracking product for trailers. Using Orbcomm’s low-earth orbit satellite network, GE’s customers are able to locate tethered and untethered trailers anywhere in North America.

GE Transport International Pool’s asset-tracking product is designed to help privately owned fleets and trucking companies improve their productivity and logistics management capabilities. The Orbcomm system GE is using consists of a transceiver and battery pack mounted together in the trailer nose, and a low profile antenna placed on the front panel of the trailer. The system can be installed on trailers at customer sites or at a local facility. Featuring a rechargeable four-year battery, the system can operate untethered for up to 120 days. Trailer location data is sent automatically at regular intervals and through electronic poll requests.